Have you lost that “loving” feeling?
You’ve survived the layoffs, cut wages, reorganizations and other company changes. You‘re stressed out, fed up and ready to bolt.
On the other hand, the economy is going nowhere, the analysts aren’t sure if we’re in recovery, recession or something in-between and you’re being told “you have a job, be happy.”
So, should you stay or leave? Before you make that critical career decision, take a deep breath, assess your situation and do a cost benefit analysis.
First, consider the reasons to stay. For example:
1. Relationships matter more than money.
You may think you can find a job that will pay you more, but you will be leaving behind a wealth of relationships. When weighing your options, don’t forget the value of the network, the friends and professional colleagues you have now.
2. You are doing well compared to your peers.
Research shows that many people under estimate their skills and their prospects and over estimate others. Take the time to do a realistic assessment of what you have to offer and its value in today’s marketplace.
3. The grass is not always greener.
People, who are desperate to get out of a job, tend to see potential opportunities only outside their company. They enthusiastically take a new job and then realize they’ve gone from the preverbal frying pan into the fire.
Now, consider the reasons to leave. For example:
1. Your relationship with your boss is damaged beyond repair.
You have tried to mend it but you’re getting stonewalled. Yes, she may be a jerk but she is the boss and in a power struggle, you will probably lose.
2. Your values are at odds with the culture.
For example, your company is hierarchical and you want more influence over your job. It’s very hard for one person to change a culture unless he’s the CEO or has been brought in to change things.
3. Your stress level is way off the charts.
It’s affecting your physical or mental health and your relationships with family and friends. You’re burnt out, burnt up and dread going to work.
So what will it be – stay or leave?
In looking at the reasons to stay and the reasons to leave, which will have the best impact on your personal and career satisfaction? What will provide you with the most benefit today? What about tomorrow?
Do you know what YOU do today will directly influence your career in 3, 5 or 10 years?
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- Copyright © 2010 Marcia Zidle career strategist and leadership coach.
Marcia Zidle, a certified career strategist and business coach, works with high potential, high impact executives, managers and professionals to advance their careers and grow their leadership capabilities. 
I’ve just lost out on a promotion I wanted very much. My pride is hurt. I’m thinking of resigning. Should I?
Justine,
Losing out on a promotion is certainly disappointing but before you take the action to resign here are a few things to do.
1. Sit down with your boss and explain that you believe it would be helpful for your development to know what were the criteria applied to the candidates for this promotion. This should not be about the person who got the promoton. Rather it should be a conversation about you – what are your strengths and how to apply them more effectively; what are your weaknesses and how to deal with them; and finally what can you do right now to make you a viable candidate for the next promotion opportunity.
2. If you believe the promotion was arbitrary, you have the option of quitting (but be sure you have a job lined up) or letting you boss know that you’ll be fighting hard for the next one. Whatever you choose make sure you make the decision rationally, not emotionally. Good luck!
Wow, Marcia… You are spot on!
I undertook a decision to resign from my current job, it was July 2010 and I had really had it.
I had put in blood and water for my company and felt very stretched.
Putting in over 25 hours a week of overtime and finally not even getting paid for it, earning peanuts compared to my colleagues and with a wealth of experience working for the company and having joined the company from another having been already employed while still in school and most of all, graduating at the top of my class ( I was among the top 10), I really felt I deserved better.
The Structure of Management in our company is a skewed one…so, I felt I would have been justified with my decision, but looking back at the personal development I have engineered for myself since that time, I can take a positive from it all.
Am still employed with the same company, but I have never appreciated the huge difference that can come from a change of attitude.
Of course, I look up daily to my dreams but the market forces have been honest with me, it is not necessarily greener grass on the other side. And many of my peers think that I am doing way better than they are.
Perhaps with change of heart will make other better changes in my life.
So, I totally agree with your every word.
Thanks.
[...] That was a question from an analyst in a financial services company. That situation has come up several times in coaching recent MBA’s and Executive MBA graduates. They thought once they got that coveted degree, their company would quickly promote and advance them. When that didn’t happen, they were disappointed, unappreciated and wondered if they should stay or leave. [...]
I’ve been in my current company for almost 5 years.with in the time I’ve been promoting as senior officer with increasing of 10% of salary in 2010.But the point is h’m very unsatisfied with my salary now because my subordinate under me are getting higher salary than me.I’m quite surprised when at 1′st time I notice that.
For time being I’ve requested for transferred but my boss rejected due to my capability and hardworking.Then he promote me in 2010 but still I don’t satisfies with increment that I get.I’m work so hard and i know my capability towards my work than other people.I need more job satisfaction towards my experiences, capability ,knowledge.I was keep thinking why my subordinate had higher than me. i know you will thing that i over estimate my self.but it is a fact.sometime i’m so kind to my staff and doing/finished their work because of my boss need it urgently.what should i do.
Ismart,
First, when is your next performance review? If it’s soon you can have a discussion with your boss first focusing on your strengths and your accomplishments. You want to show your value. Also, in larger companies, there are position grades with pay ranges. It is possible that someone in a lower grade can make more than some one of a highr grade. For example, your subordinate may be at the top of of the pay range for his grade and you may be at the lower end of the pay range for your grade.
Second you need to really take the time to decide is this the place for you? What are the pluses and minuses of staying and what’s the job market where you are for your set of skiils. Good luck and let me know what you’ve decided.